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This is one of the most authentic books in nonfiction I've read in the last five years. There is nuance growing out of this book's spine - intricacies of the U.S. legal system and problems that arise in courtrooms and prisons, the imperfections of parents that many parents would deny apply to them, politics within all levels of the education system in Wisconsin (the author's place of residence), and raw, honest life stories of the author's experiences in parenthood, marriage, mental illness, and more. With gripping storytelling, attentive and strategic metaphors, and extremely vivid descriptions, there's no doubt anyone else might get as sucked into reading this book as I did.

The diverse resonance of this book for all sorts of readers is undeniable. This book appeals to any parent or any academic reader/writer. It appeals to anyone who works or is experienced with the mental health industry and research. There is nothing more human than imperfection, which Baker illustrates time and time again in her debut memoir.

I couldn’t put Laura Jean Baker’s book down! I loved how Ms. Baker wove all the pieces of her life together. Everything was somehow connected, and there was never a dull moment. Of the memoirs I have read recently, this one is the best. The action, the storylines, the description, the setting, the realism are all spot on. With five children, a full-time job, and packed schedule, she found the time to be dedicated to this piece, and it shows. Kudos! Just great!

I have to say that the ending was “jaw-dropping”, one no one would expect. During the last chapter, I found myself on my knees, praying for LJ. Yes, there were times within the book also that I would stop to reflect; however, at the end, as she drives to Milwaukee, I fell to my knees, and said, “Lord, don’t let her do this.” The ending was surreal. Get some counseling, my friend, as it will help with the struggle and the guilt.

As you have written: “On to Book No. 2!” I can’t wait! Congratulations on an outstanding memoir!

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this book far exceeds any expectations I might have imagined. In having read other essays by Laura Jean Baker, I was amazed at the complexity of her writing. In addition, her authentic, brutally honest depiction of love, marriage, parenting, babies, addiction and the court system leave much to think about. Her honest account of her own imperfection helps us all be a little gentler with ourselves. Her overall message “There by the grace of God go I” leaves us all with much to ponder.

Bold, raw, beautiful literature nestled in a book sleeve is Laura Jean Baker's "The Motherhood Affidavits."

Baker takes motherhood and gives it at a whole new level of authenticity and truth. Much of the book uniquely interweaves stories from her lawyer husband's clients with their life as professionals and parents. She sprinkles in the unfortunate burdens that women at work, even as a professor on a progressive campus, must endure on the battlegrounds of the workplace.

Perhaps the most fascinating moments of this memoir derive from Laura's deep depression that can only be curbed by nauseating pregnancies and the exhaustion of motherhood. She describes the compromises and sacrifices her husband, Ryan, makes to desperately pull her out of it -- through the creation of more children, of course.

The beauty in the superb writing alone makes this story worth reading. I highly recommend it for mother's who want no BS stories about moms that want it all out in the open.

This is a valuable book; engaging, honest (often brutally), insightful, humane and human. Ms. Laura Jean Baker undertakes a very ambitious project--the uncovering of a woman's fears and secrets about the real world challenges of motherhood, marriage, pregnancy, work and the combustible mix of all of these. If you read the book and pay assiduous attention you will find yourself haunted by its detail--delivered in a largely unsentimental but sympathetic way. Men need to read this book because inside it throbs with the beating heart of a vulnerable person facing seemingly mundane challenges which are inevitably dramatic, compelling and painfully real. And there is joy--joy which is earned by the telling, the revealing, even the yearning. Herein is compassion and empathy for men, for women, for children...a book not for women...a book for humans.

Laura Jean Baker poetically weaves two seemingly paradoxical worlds -- motherhood and crime/addiction -- into an enthralling memoir that captures hearts. Readers are easily pulled into her world. Through her honesty, readers are able to connect to her hopes, fears, and demons that follow her throughout her life. Laura Jean shares moments of her motherhood journey that are rarely depicted by others as authentically, often asking rhetorical questions where readers find themselves answering along with her. This story has all the great literary elements of full circle, suspense, and conflict. This memoir is a must-read. I love it!

Addiction. Something that conjures up negative images of a need for constant drugs or alcohol or some altogether volatile act; but what if motherhood is the addiction? Is that any better than any other habit ? If not, how does a middle class couple deal with such a diagnosis?

In this book, Laura Jean shows a raw and real sense of the daily internal struggle, bravery and heroism of being a modern day Wonder Woman, with Superman and kids in toe.

I absolutely loved every single page of this book. The story flows freely between the author's personal life and the stories of her husband's clients, which makes it feel like a comfortable conversation with old friends. Getting to know more about Laura Jean and her life as a mother while also getting to learn more about the criminals she mentions kept me wanting more with every turn of the page. There were so many story lines throughout the book that nothing ever felt stale. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is the slightest bit interested in it! You will NOT be disappointed.